Photo: Jay Willett/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — McGonagle’s Pub and Restaurant has only been around for about a year, but it’s already celebrating some big rewards.
The Dorchester Pub began in December 2024, and since then, it has become a staple for Boston bar patrons. Even more so since it’s gotten some notable recognition.
The pub not only made the New York Times list for the 50 best restaurants in America, but also Boston Magazine's Best Irish Pub of 2025. The pub’s owner, Oran McGonagle, said a lot of the praise comes from the hard-working staff.
“Being the first ever Irish pub on that list was a huge moment for us, personally and career-wise, it’s a big accolade for an Irish pub to get on that list,” said McGonagle.
The pub even holds traditional Irish sessions, where anyone with a fiddle, tin whistle, or harp can hop up on stage and play. One of the musicians performing at McGonagle’s, Jinty McGrath, said he’s happy to see people getting involved.
“Oh, it’s been amazing, it’s been better than what we could ever hope for really,” said McGrath.
Along with the live music, the pub takes pride in its Guinness, which has a special draft line only found at McGonagle’s.
“In Ireland, the Guinness lines are half-inch lines, and they also are separate, and so they’re two degrees higher,” said McGonagle. “It’s very unique, and we’re the first bar in America to do this.”
WBZ NewsRadio’s Jay Willett (@JayWillettWBZ) reports.